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Moi-Moi: I don't really have anything to say…
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It was now officially three days.
Three days since Aknadin had successfully broken into the palace. Three days since Kagome had been attacked and knocked unconscious. Three days since Atem had been proven to be absolutely useless in his own home. He had not been there to help Kagome. And now she was lying in an infirmary bed.
"My king, she will be fine. She just needs rest. She could awaken at any time," the palace healer, Seti, tries to console the young king.
"Thank you, Seti. That will be all," Atem dismisses. His eyes never leave Kagome's still form and his demeanor remains strained. He remains in his seat beside her bed with his hands clasped in front his face. Not even the sun's warm, bright rays could improve his mood.
"My king, if I may… it is not your fault. Only Aknadin is to blame. If you had not found here when you had, I may not have been able to work so quickly," Seti tries again with a useless wave of his hands.
"You are right. If I had found her earlier than I had, she would not be in this situation."
Seti bowed his head before leaving the room. He looked to the sets of eyes that watched him as he closed the doors. He gave them all a hopeful look and a nod. At once, the five sighed in relief.
"See? What'd I tell you Mahad? I told you Kagome would be fine," Mana says spritely. Mahad nods to his apprentice before giving Isis a side glance. She had already known the outcome, but hearing it made all the difference. Kisara smiled brightly before embracing Shimon. The small man blushed before taking on a face of glee. Once she had let go, Shimon frowned with a disappointed look. It was well known that Priest Seto and the young maiden were together. That didn't stop the old man from enjoying a beautiful woman's embrace…
"She just needs rest. Pharaoh is with her," Seti says before leaving them alone.
"Let's go see her," Mana says and steps towards the door. When a force latches onto her clothes and stops her, she looks back. "Mahad, what are you doing? We should go see Kagome!"
"Weren't you listening Mana? She needs rest. Besides, it is time for your lesson," Mahad says. Mana pouts before giving the door a longing gaze. "Mana," Mahad beckons. Grumbling the whole way, Mana followed after her master. Isis left with Kisara, the two chatting away. Shimon thought for a second before following after them with a smile.
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Atem watched Kagome's face, waiting for the slightest change. He counted the seconds, hoping that she would slip back into consciousness. Every second passed and left him with crushed hope when the sight of blue eyes did not stare back at him. "I'm sorry, Kagome. I should have been there for you. You needed me and I was not there for you," Atem says and looks down at the bed.
He was being hard on himself and he knew it. But, it was what he deserved. The one woman who had touched him in a way no other had. The one woman he had considered marrying was lying in an infirmary bed. He had no one to blame but himself. Other than Aknadin. Yes, his uncle played a great deal in this. Atem would deal with his traitorous uncle.
If she left him, Atem wasn't sure that he would ever move on. Could he marry another? Of course he would have to. He had responsibilities after all. But, he would marry out of obligation; not out of love.
"I think I did pretty well on my own," a soft voice spoke. Atem's head snapped up so quickly that his neck could have broken. His wide eyes met Kagome's lidded ones. She smiled softly at him with a small wave.
"Kagome," Atem says, leaping out of his chair to embrace her.
Letting out a strangled cough, Kagome raised her hand to pat his back. How long was she out? Apparently, long enough for Atem to be extremely worried. "I'm sorry I worried you. I woke up sometime last night, but I fell asleep again before I could let anyone know," she says. After some time, he pulls away to look into her sleep ridden eyes.
"That's fine," he says and takes her hand in his. She was awake. She was back with him again. All the worry, nerves, and most of guilt had left him. He was still holding himself responsible. But, he would take care of the situation. He would personally see that Aknadin paid for his crimes.
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"You shouldn't beat yourself up over this. You had nothing to do with it. If anything, it was me. I wasn't strong enough to take care of Aknadin," Kagome says and dips her toes into the cool water of the Nile. Atem stood behind her with his arms folded and a serious look on his face.
"You must be joking. You're too strong for your own good. Mahad says that he's impressed by the amount of raw power you displayed. He's not sure if there is anything more he can teach you," Atem says seriously.
"I'm sure he's just being modest," Kagome says and sits. Her feet were dangling in the water as she tried to relax. She could tell how much Aknadin's actions had upset the pharaoh. He seemed to truly want vengeance. Sure, she wanted a second chance at Aknadin, but she lacked the passion that he held.
Kagome looked back at him with a sympathetic glance. Atem caught her gaze and raised an eyebrow in question. Once she had his attention, Kagome let all the worry and concern she felt for him show. She just hoped that he would listen. "You have every guard in the kingdom searching. The High Priests are doing their best and even more than that. Anyone who can be of assistance is doing all that they can. You're searching for one man who is probably well hidden in the desert. You shouldn't put extra worry on yourself. You're going to run yourself ragged and when Aknadin does show himself, you'll be in no condition to fight him off," Kagome reasoned.
"Yes. What you say is true. I was already doing this before Aknadin broke in. That got me nowhere. When he does reappear, I must be ready," he said with fierce determination. Kagome sighed and looked away from him then.
"Then prepare if you must. Just promise me that you will not deny your body its basic needs. I would hate to see you deal more damage to yourself than Aknadin ever could," Kagome says and stands. She knew a lost cause when she saw one.
"I only wish to keep you safe," he says.
"I can defend myself just fine. You should be more concerned about your kingdom," she says and places a hand to his cheek. "Master Mahad is waiting for me," Kagome says and lets her hand drop. Atem watches her go with a perplexed expression. How did she remain so calm?
Aknadin had directly threatened her life. If it wasn't for sheer luck that Kagome had summoned her monster spirit, she would be dead. Yet, she chose to remain calm and proceed about her daily tasks as if nothing were wrong. No matter how much he learned about her, she would always surprise him and left him confused. Atem shook his head before taking the path she had chosen back to the palace.
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"Go, my monster!" Kagome called out with a loud, commanding voice. Mahad grit his teeth as he watched yet another of his summoned monsters be destroyed by Kagome's monster spirit. She really was improving at a rapid rate. Once the blue ogre-like creature had been demolished, Kagome smiled at her teacher. "What' that now, Mahad? Twenty-two?"
"I admit Kagome. You have greatly improved in controlling your Heka," Mahad says. He lets his pride shine in his eyes with a pleasant smile on his face. Kagome smiles brightly in return before twirling her new wand. Several months ago, she had gotten a new, sleeker wand. It was twelve inches in length with a white shaft and deep red orb at the top.
"Yep. I may even be better than you now Mahad," Kagome teases.
"Don't get carried away now," Mahad warns with a raised eyebrow.
"Thanks for the practice Mahad. I've got to go," Kagome says before leaving him alone in the courtyard. Mahad watches her leave with a small smile. It had been almost one month since Aknadin's attack. One couldn't even tell that Kagome had come within an inch of death, she was so happy.
But, something still troubled Mahad along with many others in the palace. Where was Aknadin? One month is far too long to wait to strike. Sure, Kagome had done a great deal of damage in their last encounter and he needed to recover, but… One thing was certain, Aknadin was gaining strength. When he did attack, it would be devastating and an overwhelming strike. Mahad prayed to the gods for the strength and protection that they would need to overcome this traitorous enemy.
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Kagome peeked around a wall and through the open doorway. Her blue eyes scanned the palace garden. It was peaceful and empty. Maybe she wasn't as late as she had originally thought? She stepped out from behind the wall and into the doorway.
"You're late," the pharaoh's baritone voice rung out. Kagome stiffened before turning slowly.
"I was with Master Mahad. I must have lost track of time," Kagome laughed nervously. She smiled and tried her best to prey on the pharaoh's sympathy. When he smiled and shook his head, she knew she was forgiven. Straightening out, she offered him her hand. He took it with a smile and led her out into the garden.
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Mahad approached Isis slowly, his feet hitting the clean tiles of the veranda. He stood next to her before folding his arms across his chest and the Millennium Ring. "Has he started yet?" he asks.
"Not yet. You're right on time. They just entered the garden," Isis says with a smile. The two high priests look below them to see the pharaoh and Kagome walking hand-in-hand through the garden. This veranda had the best view of the entire garden.
Mahad watched the two with a smile. This is the moment he was waiting for. It was only three days ago that the pharaoh had approached Mahad with a most important request…
Flashback
Mahad sighed as he closed his eyes in exhaustion. His days were most exhausting now. Between searching the kingdom for new and growing evils and training his Heka, he barely had time to breathe. He hadn't even noticed his consciousness slipping away from him until he faintly heard the sound of someone calling his name.
Mahad's eyes snapped open to see Pharaoh approaching him. He stood at once and dusted off his clothing. He was more than embarrassed to be caught sleeping while on duty; and by Pharaoh no less!
"Pharaoh! I was only resting. I assure you, I-" Mahad started. He had no intention to lie to his king and close friend.
"Mahad, it is quite alright. I only wish to speak with you," Atem starts. His face turns serious as he gives Atem a look that said 'no nonsense'. "This is a very important matter. I feel I must ask something very important of you Mahad."
Mahad banished his embarrassment and fatigue immediately. They were replaced by determination and seriousness. "What is it, my king? You know you may ask anything of me. I live to serve you," he replies with a nod.
"This is not an order for you to carry out, Mahad," Atem starts. He squared his shoulders and looked his faithful servant directly in the eye. Even with the great height difference, the young king's presence was commanding as ever. "I have come to request your permission to take Kagome as my bride."
Mahad felt his mouth slowly hang open. He was quiet for some time as he watched Pharaoh. "My… permission?" Mahad asks.
"Yes. You are Kagome's guardian. You have taken her in and treated her as your own. You are the closest thing she has to a father or any sort of family," Atem explains.
Mahad continues to watch Pharaoh. He wanted to dance with glee. Pharaoh wanted to wed Kagome! It was perfectly legal as well.
Technically, Kagome had finished her training the moment she had discovered her monster spirit. The point of her lessons was to increase her strength and help her discover it. All she could do now was continue practicing on her own. He had not told her, but Kagome's power was far greater than his own. She would deny such claims, however. She still viewed him as her teacher- superior in every way.
Since she had completed her training, she was legally a priestess and of noble class. "I am honored that you would ask such a thing of me, my king. It shows the great amount of respect you hold for tradition," Mahad starts with a smile. "I would happily give you permission to ask for Kagome's hand. I want nothing more than happiness for you both."
"Thank you, Mahad. You do not know how much this means to me," Pharaoh says with a smile.
Mahad nods once. "My king, I suppose this would mean that you are now my son-in-law," Mahad jokes. He hadn't meant any disrespect or to step out of place. He hoped Pharaoh would see the humor in his words.
Pharaoh 'humphs' once. "She has to say 'yes' first, Mahad," Pharaoh reminds him. Mahad smiles. Of course she did…
End Flashback
"Mahad, look," Isis urges and leans forward. Mahad peeks out to see Pharaoh usher Kagome onto a stone bench. He watches as she looks up at him. He could hear their voices, but they sounded like muffled noise. He hears Isis gasp as Pharaoh kneels in front of her to look directly in her eyes. Mahad counts down the seconds impatiently.
"Yes!" an overjoyed, female voice cries out happily. Mahad smiles just as Isis laughs gleefully. When a loud whistle sounds, Mahad and Isis look around. Mana's loud cheering rung out from another veranda. That was when Isis noticed the other occupants who had come to spy on Kagome and Pharaoh's private moment. Shimon, Shada, Karim, Kisara, and even Seto were standing together with Mana. Mahad looked below him to the young lovers below. Pharaoh had a knowing look while Kagome was smiling the brightest he had ever seen. Not even the rays from the sun above could compare…
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Moi-Moi: Sigh. Leave it to Kagome to let the whole kingdom know that she's engaged… Review please and stay tuned to chapter 11 part dos!
Edited: 8/26/12